State to get tougher on texting and driving beginning Saturday

It turns out it wasn’t all about fireworks and collective bargaining this past legislative session in Iowa.

State Rep. Chip Baltimore, R-Boone, released information Monday on a few notable bills passed during the 2017 legislative session that go into effect July 1.

Baltimore, who represents Greene County at the Iowa Capitol, provided the following guide to new laws taking effect Saturday:

Senate File 234: Texting and Driving

This law improves road safety by expanding Iowa’s texting and driving ban to a primary offense.

It allows for a peace officer to stop or detain a person solely for texting and driving, but makes clear that drivers are allowed to use their phone as a GPS.

The fine for violating the new law is $30.

House File 565: School District Flexibility Fund

This law gives school districts flexibility to address their specific needs.

It allows schools to create a Flexibility Account where the district can transfer unused funds from other sources, if those funds have already been used to fund its designated purpose and has a carryover balance.

The “flex” funds can then be used to enhance local programs.

Senate File 444: 24/7 Sobriety and Distracted Driving

This law also makes roads safer by addressing impaired driving.  

The new law implements a 24/7 sobriety program for persons convicted of drunk or drugged driving and requires them to submit to twice-daily alcohol or controlled substance testing at set times and implements penalties for failing the tests.  

The law also makes it a Class C felony if a person is driving distracted (using electronic devices) and kills another.

House File 296: Synthetic Drugs
This law protects Iowa’s kids and families by keeping dangerous synthetic drugs off the streets.

House File 296 allows the Iowa Board of Pharmacy to temporarily designate certain chemical compounds as Schedule I drugs to stay ahead of synthetic drug manufacturers, giving the Legislature more time to take action.  

Other changes will make it easier to prosecute those who create and sell synthetic drugs.

House File 410: Palmer Amaranth

This bill puts Palmer Amaranth on the primary noxious weed list and the list of invasive plants that are prohibited to import, sell or distribute in Iowa.

Palmer Amaranth is an edible flowering plant that crowds out crops such as corn, soybeans and cotton.